15 Best Sulphate-Free Shampoos Recommended For Dry & Frizzy Hair

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Dry or frizzy hair is generally caused by a lack of moisture in the hair cuticles. It happens especially during the monsoon because the hair cuticles open up in an attempt to absorb the moisture from the air around them, in the process opening up the structure of the hair strands, and making them coarse instead of flat. This is also something that happens more commonly with curly or wavy hair, since the structure of that type of hair is in itself different from straight or flat hair, and can only be maintained if the moisture is locked in. If you have similar struggles, a simple fix like changing your shampoo to one that is better suited for dry or 'frizzy' hair might make a huge deal of difference. So here's a guide to the best sulphate-free shampoos for dry hair.

PS: We know that there isn't enough scientific evidence to suggest that SLS and parabens are bad for you, and they only collect inside the body in minimal amounts. But we also know that many of our readers like to avoid them to be on the safe side, and hence, this list has sulphate-free options only.

Pro-Tip: 8 Best Shampoos For Oily Scalp 

OGX Extra Strength

OGX Renewing Morocco Argan Oil Shampoo

OGX Renewing Morocco Argan Oil Shampoo

₹960
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We'd be surprised if you haven't already read rave reviews of the OGX Argan Oil of Morocco on the most popular beauty blogs. For the longest time, we couldn't even get to try the product because of how quickly it flies off the shelves. Those of you with a dry scalp/hair type will love this shampoo. While it won't soften the hair strands (which is ideally a conditioner's job, anyway, since shampoo is supposed to cleanse and treat the scalp more than the hair itself), it will leave your scalp feeling very hydrated.

Price: INR 960

Nykaa Rating: 4.2/5

Suited For: Medium to coarse hair

Plum Goodness Avocado Soft Cleanse Shampoo

Plum Avocado & Argan Oil Sulphate-Free Shampoo

Plum Avocado & Argan Oil Sulphate-Free Shampoo

₹499
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Sticking to what they promise in their brand name, Plum Goodness makes sure to add only the truly good stuff in their products. Their shampoos are perfect for those whose hair gets really bouncy and unmanageable on the day of the wash, as it helps the hair retain its moisture.

I introduced this shampoo in my haircare during monsoon last year, when my hair would get a little tough to manage. And coupled with a conditioner, my hair actually started naturally drying in a very presentable and manageable soft-curls situation!

Price: INR 499

Nykaa Rating: 4.1/5

Suited For: Fizzy, curly and wavy hair

Love Beauty & Planet Volume Bounce

Love Beauty & Planet Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Shampoo

Love Beauty & Planet Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Shampoo

₹400
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Love Beauty & Planet is one of our favourite clean beauty brands. Their ingredients are not only organic, but also ethically sourced. Their shampoos are one of their bestselling products, and are particularly loved by beauty editors and influencers. Reviewers on Nykaa swear by it too, and have emptied multiple bottles of the product.

Price: INR 400

Nykaa Rating: 4.4/5

Suited For: Fine hair

OUAI Detox Shampoo

OUAI Detox Shampoo

OUAI Detox Shampoo

₹3775
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All of OUAI shampoos are sulphate-free as they focus heavily on the ingredients, the ones that are actually nice for your hair. For instance, their detox shampoo has apple cider vinegar, which exfoliates your scalp well and cleanses it deeply, chelating agents to remove impurities, and hydrolysed keratin to keep your tresses fully hydrated. It should be used once a week when you feel that your hair is lacking shine or losing shape. 

Price: INR 3,775

Nykaa Rating: 4.6/5

Suited For: Works for all hair types

Pro-Tip: 10 Best Shampoos For Hair Fall 

Schwarzkopf Professional Frizz Away Shampoo

Schwarzkopf Professional Bonacure Frizz Away Shampoo

Schwarzkopf Professional Bonacure Frizz Away Shampoo

₹1150
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The entire range of Schwarzkopf Professional makes sure your scalp gets all squeaky clean and healthy. Its frizz-away shampoo is basically a taming shampoo made with babassu oil that is recommended for unruly hair that requires intense smoothing and control. And that's what the formula does; it adds shine and improves manageability. Plus, it will also provide an anti-humidity effect for up to 48 hours. 

Price: INR 1,150

Nykaa Rating: 4.3/5

Suited For: Coarse and thick hair

Bare Anatomy Ultra Smoothing Shampoo

Bare Anatomy Ultra Smoothing Shampoo

Bare Anatomy Ultra Smoothing Shampoo

₹595
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We have always been huge fans of brands that talk numbers, and Bare Anatomy is one of those. Containing carbohydrate complex, which is the main source of nutrition for hair, it helps to restore smoothness and texture by 27%. Plus, it also has Omega 3,6, and 9, which adds a protective layer against UVA and UVB rays, which are one of the major causes of hair thinning and frizziness. 

Price: INR 595

Nykaa Rating: 4.3/5

Suited For: Works for all hair types

Maui Moisture Revive + Hydrate

Maui Moisture Revive & Hydrate + Shea Butter Conditioner

Maui Moisture Revive & Hydrate + Shea Butter Conditioner

₹1075
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If you're only just making the switch to an SLS-free shampoo, getting used to this product will be a little hard in the beginning as it barely lathers up. But that is no indication of the treatment it does to the hair. Your scalp will be left feeling fresh and moisturised, and smelling great!

This product comes rich in macadamia oil, coconut oil, and the magic ingredient for dry/frizzy hair â€” Shea Butter!

Price: INR 1075

Nykaa Rating: 4.4/5

Suited For: Works for all hair types

Pilgrim Sulfate Free Shampoo

Pilgrim Sulfate Free Shampoo

Pilgrim Sulfate Free Shampoo

₹395
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While we're on the subject of shampoos that don't lather as much... Pilgrim is a K-beauty brand from Jeju Island, and all their products are made using traditional ingredients from the island like white lotuses and volcanic ash. Using this shampoo is like getting some magical treatment done to your hair, it makes it so soft and lustrous!

Price: INR 395

Nykaa Rating: 4.1/5

Suited For: Works for all hair types

L'Oreal Absolut Repair

L'Oreal Professionnel Absolut Repair Lipidium Shampoo (300ml)

L'Oreal Professionnel Absolut Repair Lipidium Shampoo (300ml)

₹790
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When it comes to hair care, nothing beats L'Oreal. The brand introduced a couple of SLS-free shampoos to their hair care collection, and they work beautifully. The L'Oreal Absolut Repair is a shampoo especially good for those who have long hair, as it helps the hair regain its colour and shine. The shampoo is safe to use on coloured hair, and comes with the goodness of salicylic acids (BHA), quinoa, and glycerine.

Price: INR 790

Nykaa Rating: 4.4/5

Suited For: Works for all hair types

Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo

Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo 70ml

Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo 70ml

₹1260
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There's no way a list of shampoos for dry and frizzy hair can even exist without the cult-favourite, Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo. The product is a moisture-balancing shampoo, which helps the hair cuticles retain their moisture and not try to extract it from the air around them, hence making them smoother. This shampoo is also safe to use on coloured hair, and repairs the damage caused to hair by heat-styling and colour treatments.

Price: INR 1260 (for 70 ml)

Nykaa Rating: 4.2/5

Suited For: Works for all hair types

Khadi Naturals Aloe Vera Cleanser

Khadi Natural Neem & Aloe Vera Hair Cleanser

Khadi Natural Neem & Aloe Vera Hair Cleanser

₹399
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Khadi is a staple brand in most households when it comes to natural and handmade soaps, considering how easily available it is in small retail stores. But lesser known info is that they also produce really good, nourishing shampoos. Khadi has both kinds, ones with SLS and those without, and the latter retails for around INR 100 more than the former.

The shampoos come in a wide range of ingredients—from almond and honey, to more traditional ones like shikakai. We recommend you check what works best for your hair/scalp type before you buy. The almond and honey ones worked wonders for my hairfall!

Price: INR 399

Nykaa Rating: 4.3/5

Suited For: Works for all hair types

Ashba Botanics Hydrating Shampoo

Ashba Botanics Hydrating Shampoo

Ashba Botanics Hydrating Shampoo

₹1099

This one is especially for those who have crossed over to the good side and realised that their 'frizzy' hair is actually curly/wavy hair languishing. Ashba is a curly girl favourite, and its effects are amazing. From lustre to moisture, it packs in all the goodness and helps "frizzy" hair stay curly for a good three or four days, in my experience.

Price: INR 1,099

Nykaa Rating: NA

Suited For: Curly hair

Arata Hydrating Shampoo

Arata SLS & Paraben Free Hydrating Shampoo

Arata SLS & Paraben Free Hydrating Shampoo

₹699
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Arata is the one Indian hair-care brand that is getting a whole lot of love from customers in the country. Their bestselling and best-marketed products are definitely the hair-care range they have for curly hair, so we naturally had to try it. The shampoo is thick and creamy, and leaves the scalp feeling light and fresh, and soothes any inflammation that a dry scalp might be going through.

Price: INR 699

Nykaa Rating: 4.1/5

Suited For: Works for all hair types, but especially on curly hair

Wella Professionals Nurticurls Shampoo

Wella Professionals NUTRICURLS Sulphate Free Shampoo

Wella Professionals NUTRICURLS Sulphate Free Shampoo

₹1250
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Curly hair care is definitely not an easy job, but Wella Professionals Nutricurls Shampoo, which specifically caters to people with wavy or curly tresses, will do its best to make your locks as defined as possible. It provides just the right level of nourishment and reduces overall frizz, making your hair more manageable and soft. 

Price: INR 1,250

Nykaa Rating: 4/5

Suited For: Curly and wavy hair

Kerastase Bain Discipline Gentle Shampoo

Kerastase Bain Discipline Fluidealiste Gentle Shampoo

Kerastase Bain Discipline Fluidealiste Gentle Shampoo

₹2950
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Yet another taming shampoo that we are truly loving for its frizz-control and anti-humidity protection qualities is this one from Kerastase. It nourishes, smoothes, and softens every single strand and is perfect for people who love to get their hair coloured or chemically treated. To get even better results, you can try out their hair mask as well.

Price: INR 2,950

Nykaa Rating: 4.4/5

Suited For: Coloured or chemically-treated hair

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economics student turned full-time beauty & opinion writer and now editor at LBB; talks about books, cruelty-free beauty and active living (she/they)